Blend door actuator replacement instructions please?

Tiny
SIDNEY CARRASCO
  • MEMBER
  • 2014 CHEVROLET IMPALA
  • V6
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 36,000 MILES
Drivers side air started blowing out hot. Went to a mechanic and was told it is most likely the blender door actuator. Looking around online it seems like it should be relatively simple to fix, I just need to know where the actuator is. Does anyone know where it is located and how to get to it?
Monday, July 31st, 2017 AT 10:43 AM

21 Replies

Tiny
STEVE W.
  • MECHANIC
  • 12,964 POSTS
I would call the dealer if your mileage is correct. That is real close on warranty, they may repair it as a goodwill item.

If you do not want to do that the actuator for the drivers side (left) is right above and to the rear of the gas pedal on the side of the HVAC housing, secured with two screws.

I have done a few of the earlier ones but not a 2014. On the earlier ones you just remove the lower trim cover and stuff your hand up in to get to the part.

Reading the book on the 2014 and up looks like it may take a lot more because of the new knee airbags and reinforcements for them. Basically it says you need to remove the sound panel under the dash, then the center console, then the dash trim pad and the knee bolster on both sides. Then the knee airbags and finally you can get to the actuator.
Personally I would remove the trim and see if you can see the actuator itself. If you can and you can get to the screws you could try the old method.

Once installed you need to re-calibrate the actuators. That involves removing the HVAC control fuse for twenty seconds, then putting it back in and starting the engine and waiting a minute for the motors to re-calibrate.
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Monday, July 31st, 2017 AT 12:15 PM
Tiny
ROCKEY5
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
  • 2012 CHEVROLET IMPALA
  • 3.6L
  • V6
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 121,000 MILES
Replaced blend door actuator that was clicking, after replacing tested and no noise. One day later shut car off and clicking started again. What did I do wrong?
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Wednesday, December 23rd, 2020 AT 10:36 AM (Merged)
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
Good morning,

Did you calibrate the actuator after installing it? If you did not, then you may have ruined the new one.

Are you sure it is the same actuator?

Roy

Actuator Re-calibration

Calibration Procedure

Use the following steps to perform the calibration update:

1. Install a scan tool.

2. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.

3. Select HVAC Control Module

4. Select Special Functions

5. Select recalibrate All Motors

6. Select ON, wait 60 seconds.
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Wednesday, December 23rd, 2020 AT 10:36 AM (Merged)
Tiny
ROCKEY5
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
Can I try this now, and do I have to have the controls set to anything?Or just scan tool plugged in. Ignition on and go straight to HVAC controls and calibration.
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Wednesday, December 23rd, 2020 AT 10:36 AM (Merged)
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
The fact that it is making noise tells me the new one may be damaged.

When you replace it, just follow the instructions.

Roy
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Wednesday, December 23rd, 2020 AT 10:36 AM (Merged)
Tiny
ROCKEY5
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
So do I do the calibration before I screw down the actuator or before?
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Wednesday, December 23rd, 2020 AT 10:36 AM (Merged)
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
No, install the actuator and then do the calibration.

Roy
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Wednesday, December 23rd, 2020 AT 10:36 AM (Merged)
Tiny
PREVOSTXL2
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
  • 2010 CHEVROLET IMPALA
  • 3.5L
  • 6 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 77,000 MILES
Actuator on passenger side makes a clicking noise whenever a door or the trunk is opened. This noise lasts for approximately one to two minutes. What problems would I have if I just disconnected the actuator? I live in southern Arizona and the AC is in AC mode most of the time. This is the fifth time the actuator has gone bad.
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Wednesday, December 23rd, 2020 AT 10:36 AM (Merged)
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
Good afternoon.

It would stay on either heat or cold and would no longer be able to change.

What brand actuators did you use?

Roy
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Wednesday, December 23rd, 2020 AT 10:36 AM (Merged)
Tiny
PREVOSTXL2
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
What every the dealer puts in. Is there a better one? How can I tell which position to have the actuator in for cold?
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Wednesday, December 23rd, 2020 AT 10:36 AM (Merged)
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
What you would need to do is remove the actuator and turn the mode door by hand until you get cold air and then leave it there.

As shown in the picture, it is under the right side of the dash.

Roy
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Wednesday, December 23rd, 2020 AT 10:36 AM (Merged)
Tiny
HMAC3002
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 2010 CHEVROLET IMPALA
  • 3.5L
  • V6
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 70,000 MILES
I have a clicking noise when you close door or trunk. I have kind of narrowed it to the actuator in heater, but cannot find the fuse in book. So, I think it is hooked to another circuit. It eventually stops after a minute or so but does it all the time. The drivers manual does not list it so was probably forgotten. I have checked fuses under hood and inside car and the only thing I can see is A/C, but that is for compressor I think.
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Wednesday, December 23rd, 2020 AT 10:36 AM (Merged)
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 42,891 POSTS
Hello,

I does sounds like a blend door actuator is to blame which is common. Here is a guide to help you see what you are in for when doing the job and the location of the actuators in your car with the A/C system wiring diagrams and fuse locations:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/replace-blend-door-motor

It looks like there are four fuses that run the system this guide will help you check them.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-a-car-fuse

Check out the diagrams (below). Please let us know what you find. We are interested to see what it is.

Cheers, Ken
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Wednesday, December 23rd, 2020 AT 10:36 AM (Merged)
Tiny
DONLINPRICE
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 2010 CHEVROLET IMPALA
  • 39,000 MILES
The actuator for the re circulating, runs every time I open the car door. I can open the trunk and it will run. If I get in the car first it will run, then when my wife gets in it will run again. Replace actuator about 9 months ago, it quit as the dealership says waking up, after replacing it. Then it started doing it again. Thank you for any information on this matter.
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Wednesday, December 23rd, 2020 AT 10:36 AM (Merged)
Tiny
HMAC300
  • MECHANIC
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Hello,

The controller must be going bad because it should shut down not allowing the blend door actuators to move. Here are the HVAC wiring diagrams and the blend door actuators location along with how to replace the controller in the diagrams below.

HVAC System Control Module Programming and Setup

Each of the following service procedures may require programming or setup procedures to be performed on the HVAC control module or HVAC actuators.

HVAC Control Module Replacement

If the HVAC manual or HVAC automatic control modules are replaced, an automatic re-calibration of all the actuators will occur. Be sure to check Service Programming System (SPS) (See: Vehicle > Programming and Relearning > Service Programming System (SPS)) for the latest calibration software. For the best re-calibration results, start and run the engine for at least one minute after installing the new module. Do not adjust any controls on the HVAC control module during the re-calibration procedure. If interrupted, improper HVAC performance may result. No additional procedures are necessary.

HVAC Control Module Reprogramming

Do not reprogram the HVAC control module unless directed by a service procedure or a service bulletin.

Reprogram HVAC Control Module-Refer to Service Programming System (SPS) (See: Vehicle > Programming and Relearning > Service Programming System (SPS)).

Check out the diagrams (Below). Please let us know what you find. We are interested to see what it is.

1 - Mode Actuator
2 - Air Temperature Sensor - Upper (C68)
3 - Air Temperature Actuator
4 - Recirculation Actuator
5 - Air Temperature Sensor - Lower (C68)
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Wednesday, December 23rd, 2020 AT 10:36 AM (Merged)
Tiny
PAT5196
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
I wanted people to know I had this problem cost me $324.00 at the dealer to do the HVAC control head. I wish I founds this post first :/
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Wednesday, December 23rd, 2020 AT 10:36 AM (Merged)
Tiny
SCOTT HUNT
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
I just replaced my 4th actuator I didn't know about the calibration had to be done. I hope this works. It's getting exspensive replacing them.
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Wednesday, December 23rd, 2020 AT 10:36 AM (Merged)
Tiny
KRS81183
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 2009 CHEVROLET IMPALA
  • 80,000 MILES
Loud woodpecker sounding noise by passengers side glove box car does not need to be on
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Wednesday, December 23rd, 2020 AT 10:36 AM (Merged)
Tiny
JDL
  • MECHANIC
  • 16,098 POSTS
Yes the blend door actuator sounds like it is out here is the locations so you can see which one needs replacement. Check out the diagrams (Below). Let us know what happens and please upload pictures or videos of the problem.
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Wednesday, December 23rd, 2020 AT 10:36 AM (Merged)
Tiny
DWOOTEN14
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Could be your a/c door actuator that opes and closes depending on whether u want outside or recirculated air in car. Open hood and on pass side take cover off under wiper and remove cabin air filter. Look behind it and u might see that actuator stuck between open and close. Hope this helps.
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Wednesday, December 23rd, 2020 AT 10:36 AM (Merged)

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